Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Enter our drawing competition for your chance to have your work featured on our new Education Van courtesy of Hyundai. Winning entries will have their drawings printed on the Education van along with their first name, age and suburb and will receive a 1 year subscription to RSPCA ‘Animania’ magazine. One lucky winner will also receive a visit to their school by the van that they decorated and our Education Team accompanied by animals from one of our shelters!

All you have to do is draw a picture of your favourite animal and post or email it to us by Friday, 10th September 2010.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

For well over half his life, the RSPCA Sydney Shelter has been home to Kelpie cross, Ziggy. Surrendered in December last year as a five-month-old, Ziggy recently celebrated his first birthday. But his ultimate birthday wish would be for a new family and loving home.

“A gentle natured boy, Ziggy hasn’t seen much of the outside world so a staff member is currently fostering him. This will help to ensure he’s happy, socialised and well adjusted to life outside the shelter,” said Adam Farrugia, RSPCA Sydney Shelter Supervisor.

A sweet, affectionate and well-mannered boy, Ziggy has lots of energy so requires daily walks and playtime. “As he’s still quite young he does like to chew, so will need plenty of toys to play with,” stressed Adam.

As Ziggy has spent most of his life at the shelter he’s looking for a patient family who will introduce him slowly to new people and different environments.

“He can sit and has begun toilet training, but for Ziggy to continue being a happy and well-mannered dog, his new owners should continue with his obedience training.”

An energetic dog, he’s best suited to a home with children over 10 years. Do you have room in your heart for Ziggy?

“In animal welfare the wheels of change move frustratingly slow but they do tend to move forward so this decision by Ku-ring-gai is not only disappointing, it’s bizarre,” said Mr Coleman.

“The science has been in for a very long time – circus life cannot meet the social, behavioural or physical needs of wild animals.

“Performing circus animals are kept for prolonged periods in close confinement, in artificial social groups and are continually being transported between circus venues.

“Research shows that the life of a circus animal leads to stress, boredom and often results in abnormal behaviours or stereotypes, such as repetitive pacing or swaying.

“There are plenty of successful circuses that don’t use animals and the rise of Cirque de Soleil is the perfect example that people are flocking to them.

“Many councils across Australia have heeded community concerns and banned circuses with exotic animals from appearing on council land.

“We urge people around Ku-ring-gai to vote with their feet and show their local council that their decision is not only bad for animals but shows a blatant disregard for community expectations for animal welfare.”

Other animal welfare groups are similarly outraged by Ku-Ring-Gai Council's circus backflip. Animals Asia Foundation have setup an online petition for member's of the public to sign at:

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

In 2008/09, live sheep exports returned $351 million to the Australian economy. Sheep meat exports returned $1.5 billion.

The AMIEU estimates around 40,000 jobs have been lost in the meat-processing sector since the live export trade began.

Rural Australia continues to struggle to keep abattoirs open, while live animals are trucked past empty processing plants and loaded onto ships to be processed overseas.

In 2009 ACIL Tasman[1] completed two economic reports into this trade and found:

1. Sheep processed in Australia are worth 20% more to the economy than sheep sent overseas for slaughter
2. Australia is missing out on value-add opportunities by sending sheep overseas
3. Phasing out live sheep exports would create jobs in Australia and be better for farmers in the long term

Sending live sheep on long journeys overseas just to be slaughtered when they get there is cruel and unnecessary. Sheep slaughtered overseas are not stunned first so they are fully conscious when their throats are cut.

Halal-certified abattoirs in Australia allow pre-slaughter stunning and this meat is just as religiously acceptable as meat from an animal slaughtered overseas. All countries that take Australian animals also take Australian chilled and frozen meat.

Greater investment in our meat processors will help farmers reduce the risks associated with the live sheep trade, create jobs in Australia, boost our economy and significantly improve animal welfare.

SUPPORT THE REAL UNDERDOGS THIS ELECTION

Political Animal highlights four urgent animal welfare issues that the RSPCA would like to see the next Federal Parliament deal with: live exports, puppy factories, food labelling and humane slaughter. To support the real underdogs this election register at http://www.politicalanimal.org.au/

Friday, August 13, 2010

The NRL Bulldogs are holding a Community Day for their members this Sunday 15 August at ANZ Stadium.

Long term community partners and supporters of the RSPCA, the Bulldogs team have invited us to host an information stall on this day. RSPCA NSW Inspector Skye, staff and volunteers will be hosting an RSPCA stall on the day with information about our Political Animal campaign, seeking information from the public about the recent Snowy cruelty case and exchanging donations for yummy, bulldogs-themed cupcakes generously donated by Tace-Tee cupcakes!

Tace-Tee cupcakes are made with free-range eggs (they have their own chooks in the backyard - 100% free range!), unbleached flour and vegetable shortening.

We're looking forward to meeting Bulldogs players and supporting the team at their Community Day event this Sunday, August 15th from 9am-12 noon at ANZ Stadium.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Saturday 14th of August is the launch of the sweetest event of the year – Cupcake Day for the RSPCA at the RSPCA Care Centre at Rouse Hill!

The official Cupcake Day is on the following Monday 16th of August. On that day thousands of RSPCA registered cooks around the country will be baking up a storm, taking their tasty treats to work or school and exchanging them for donations that they will then send to the RSPCA.

To mark this event, the RSPCA Care Centre will be transformed into a mini bakery with cupcakes available for a donation, courtesy of Cake Art (made specially with cage-free eggs!). There will also be a kids cupcake creation station where, for a gold coin donation, kids can ice and decorate their own cupcakes.

Plus meet some adorable adoption animals currently looking for good homes!

If you would like to be involved in this launch or talk about other fundraising cross promotions, call RSPCA Retail Business Manager, Karen Heath on 0421 614 783.

Contrary to many misconceived notions, Greyhounds make amazing pets. They’re intelligent, sensitive, gentle and sociable dogs who just love cuddles and attention.

A member of the sight hound group, Greyhounds have been bred to run fast, and Greyhound Racing is a popular sport. While dogs are winning they will continue to race, when they’re not winning they’re no longer wanted. This is why Greyhound rescue groups exist and why animal shelters often see Greyhounds walk through their doors. It can be a difficult task rehoming a Greyhound; fortunately people are becoming more aware of the breed’s true personality and accepting them as a family pet.

About the breed

Unfortunately as some States require Greyhounds to wear muzzles in public this has impacted upon their popularity as pets. In fact, they bark very little and are usually as friendly to strangers as they are with their own family. Due to their quiet disposition and affection towards people, Greyhounds are now successfully being used as therapy dogs. They get along with children and are happy to run around, however they don’t like any form of rough handling or play.

It is a common misconception that Greyhounds are hyperactive and need massive amounts of exercise on a daily basis. This couldn’t be further from the truth, retired racing Greyhounds are couch potatoes; frequent, short energetic walks will be sufficient. This often makes them a good pet for families with working parents and children at school.

Greyhounds were bred to hunt and chase, and if given the chance they may pursue small animals, so when in public they should be kept on lead at all times. Off-leash exercise should only be done in a fully-enclosed area, but care may still need to be taken when other small animals are around.

Young Greyhounds that have never been taught how to utilise their energy always require experienced owners as they can be hyperactive and destructive if not given an outlet.

Health and care

Greyhounds are short coated and generally shed very little. They are extremely clean dogs and can often be seen cleaning themselves like a cat. They also don’t produce much of a ‘doggy odour’, so don’t need bathing as much as some other dog breeds. As they have very little body fat and temperatures of either extreme are not tolerable, they need access to an indoor area. Some owners will put coats on their dogs in cold weather to help them keep warm. Because of the breed’s lean build, sleeping on hard surfaces without bedding may cause them to develop painful skin sores. So it is important that owners provide soft bedding at all times.

Typically Greyhounds live to around 10-13 years, and generally hereditary illness is rare, however some have been known to develop arthritis, progressive retinal atrophy (gradual blindess), megaoesophagus (disease of the oesophagus muscle), bloat (gastric torsion) and osteosarcoma (malignant bone cancer).

Rescued greyhounds

Greyhound shelters and rescue groups should always test the dogs around other animals prior to adoption. They should also make sure prospective owners are fully aware of the dog’s response and behaviour to other animals. Some Greyhounds will get along with cats and other small animals, but if retired from racing it is generally not recommended. As they are a large breed, strong high fencing is recommended.

Greyhounds are low maintenance dogs who adore love and attention. They are loyal and intelligent and will provide their family with many years of happiness.

Due to their quiet disposition and affection towards people, Greyhounds are now successfully being used as therapy dogs.

To view profiles of greyhounds and all other animals available for adoption at the RSPCA, please visit www.adoptapet.com.au

Friday, August 6, 2010

Pixie is a 10-month-old Chihuahua x Mini Fox Terrier. She’s was surrendered to the RSPCA Sydney Shelter because her owners moved house and could not take her with them.

Pixie is very affectionate and gentle, and would do well in a quiet household with no children under six years of age. She likes other dogs but must meet any potential four-legged friends before being adopted.

The aroma of cupcakes will soon invade office corridors and boardrooms throughout Australia as corporate Australia gets behind the sweetest fundraising day of the year, Cupcake Day for the RSPCA. Shannon Green and Terry Walkinshaw from publishing firm Elsevier Australia have organised a Cupcake Day Party at their Chatswood office, with many staff members committed to donning aprons and baking cupcakes to raise vital funds for the RSPCA.

“There are lots of animal lovers in our office and we all greatly appreciate the work that the RSPCA does within the community – for both animals and humans,” said Terry Walkinshaw. “Staff will be putting their baking skills to the test and will go head-to-head with prizes available for the best Cupcake Cook on the day”.

For corporates, Cupcake Day is a fantastic team building event that promotes community spirit and supports corporate social responsibility initiatives.

“Not only is baking cupcakes a great way to raise funds for the RSPCA, it’s a fun day for everyone in the office. People love cupcakes and what better way to beat ‘Mondayitis’ than to eat cupcakes to help the animals!” added Shannon Green.

Employers can also get involved in Cupcake Day and show their support by matching funds raised by their staff. The RSPCA have a Dollar Matching letter available to download at www.rspcacupcakeday.com.au. Staff can then present this letter to their employer to match funds raised and explains that company donations are fully tax deductable.

“Last year 60% of our registrants came from corporate Australia and many employers supported their staff’s efforts by dollar matching,” said Steve Coleman, RSPCA NSW CEO. “As the RSPCA receives less than 2% funding from the government, we’re deeply grateful for everyone’s support,” said Steve.

Cupcake Day for the RSPCA is held Monday 16 August 2010. Corporates can register individually or as a team at www.rspcacupcakeday.com.au and are eligible to enter all Cupcake Day competitions.

The RSPCA asks that all participants use cage-free eggs or RSPCA approved eggs when baking. For more information visit www.choosewisely.org.au

Thursday, August 5, 2010

On Sunday 25 July the local community geared up for a day of celebration and support as the RSPCA Hunter shelter turned 5 years old!

Thankfully the weather held out on the day, which allowed guests to enjoy the dog agility demonstrations and party games. Lots of healthy doggie treats where shared and devoured by our four legged guests who absolutely loved the 5th Birthday dog cake specially made for them (see photo above).

A free jumping castle was available for the kids, as well as cupcakes in preparation for Cupcake Day. Quite a few dogs took advantage of the mobile 'Hot Tub' and were squeaky clean by the time they headed home!

Guests enjoyed the humane BBQ provided on the day and supported our use of local free-range pork sausages.

Representatives from companies, including Hills Science Diet and Pfizer, visited on the day to offer advice on pet care.

Guests thoroughly enjoyed the 'behind the scenes' tours of the shelter and vet clinic, and learned about the RSPCA and the important role we play within the community.

Thank you to all our guests, company representatives, staff and volunteers for making RSPCA Hunter Shelter's 5th birthday a fantastic day.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

On Friday 6 August 2010, loveable five-month-old German Shepherd x Irish Wolfhound, Max, will be jet setting from his current home at the RSPCA Sydney Shelter to his new lush 1.5 acre pad in Fiji!

“A couple of weeks ago, in the hope of finding him a new home, Max was transferred from the Sydney Shelter to the RSPCA Care Centre at Rouse Hill,” said Alyesha Dickins, Care Centre Supervisor. “But he wasn’t here long as very soon we received a call from Jenny Slatter in Fiji asking if she could adopt him.”

Jenny was looking at http://www.adoptapet.com.au/ from her tropical paradise and knew she’d found the right dog for her. Since then, RSPCA NSW has been working with the Department of Agriculture, Fiji and WSPA to ensure the road to Max’s new overseas home runs smoothly.

“Max has his import permit and has received all the necessary veterinary tests to live in Fiji. He’s due for his final worming this Thursday, before his flight on Friday,” said Aleysha. “His owner is rapt – Max has to be in quarantine for seven days but she said she’ll be visiting him every day.”

This is certainly a rehoming with a difference and the RSPCA looks forward to keeping in contact with the Slatter family and of course, Max.

The RSPCA Care Centre is located at the Rouse Hill Town Centre, Civic Way, Windsor Road, Rouse Hill − Ph: 02 8883 0622. An RSPCA Adoption Outreach Centre, the Care Centre is a first for Australia and a shining example for animal welfare. For more, head to http://www.rspcansw.org.au/ and click on ‘Services’.

For over 20 years, the RSPCA NSW Mudgee & District Volunteer Branch has been helping people and animals in need. But now they need your help.

Run entirely by volunteers, the branch has rehomed and cared for many of the local area’s animals. In fact, over the past six years alone they have rehomed 395 dogs and puppies, and 36 cats and kittens.

“Each year the branch works tirelessly to raise funds to care for animals in need. They organise desexing, pay for any necessary surgeries and medication, and then fund ongoing health care,” said Steve Coleman, RSPCA NSW CEO. “Approximately $18,000 in vet bills must be paid for each year and if the branch falls short, it comes very generously out of the volunteers’ own pockets. Their main purpose is to find surrendered, abused, neglected or homeless animals good and loving homes.”

The RSPCA Mudgee & District Volunteer Branch is a lifeline for animals in need but they’ve run out of funds. Without it, there will be no RSPCA presence in the local community. Can you help? The branch is asking for the community’s assistance to get them back on their feet and all donations over $2 are tax deductible.

August is National Desexing Month. Help Australia’s animals and take your pet to an RSPCA NSW Veterinary Hospital during August for a 20% discount off pet desexing.

Every year, thousands of animals are euthanased across Australia because there are simply not enough homes for them. And while desexing certainly helps decrease the number of unwanted puppies and kittens received by animal shelters annually, it also assists in preventing life threatening illnesses.

“Desexing female dogs and cats actually helps decrease the incidence of breast cancer, as well as preventing ovarian and uterine cancer. It also prevents the chances of developing pyometra (an infection in the uterus) which is a life threatening condition,” said Dr Magdoline Awad, RSPCA NSW Chief Veterinarian.

“Desexing also has similar benefits for male dogs, with the risk of some reproductive cancers, prostatic diseases, as well as perineal hernias reduced. There are also behavioural benefits for male dogs and cats. For male cats, desexing prevents many unwanted behaviours such as fighting and roaming which often leads to their demise through car accidents and injuries. Fighting also puts male cats at risk of developing FIV infection (or Feline AIDS).”

Desexing helps to:

Reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases (such as pyometra in females and hernias in males).

Stop the cycle of mating and unwanted litters which contributes to the problem of pet overpopulation.

Lessen the need for pets to wander, fight and subsequently get injured or lost.

Decrease the physical and nutritional exhaustion which affects over-breeding animals.

There are four RSPCA NSW Veterinary Hospitals – Sydney, Broken Hill, Rutherford and Tighes Hill, and a Veterinary Consultation Room at the RSPCA Care Centre in Rouse Hill.

On Tuesday 10 August, the RSPCA NSW Cupcake Day Team, Gyton Grantley (star of Underbelly), Luke Jacobz (from Home and Away) and players from the NRL Canterbury Bulldogs team will turn Martin Place into ‘Cupcake Place’, selling cupcakes for a cause and spreading awareness of Cupcake Day for the RSPCA.

From 11am to 2pm, two Cupcake Day stalls will be set up at the amphitheatre, Martin Place. RSPCA Staff and Volunteers, some cute RSPCA Shelter dogs and the animal-loving celebs will exchange delicious Sparkle Cupcakery delights made with cage-free eggs for a gold coin donation to the RSPCA. All monies raised goes directly to RSPCA NSW in their fight against animal cruelty. The RSPCA Cupcake Day Team will also be selling some fantastic RSPCA and Cupcake Day merchandise on the day. To order online now, please visit onlineshop.rspcansw.org.au

Last year $1.1 million was raised across Australia and this year the RSPCA is hoping to raise $2.5 million but they need your help. “Every year the RSPCA cares for over 155,000 animals and as we receive less than 2% government funding, we rely on the generosity of the community and their participation in these fundraising events to continue,” said RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman. “I’m really happy to support the RSPCA and what better way than through the power of cupcakes!” – Gyton Grantley.

Cupcake Day for the RSPCA is on Monday 16 August. Registered RSPCA Cupcake Cooks across Australia will descend on their schools, workplaces and social groups with batches of scrumptious homemade cupcakes to be exchanged for donations to the RSPCA.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

For the month of August 2010, the Griffith Community Animal Welfare Scheme (CAWS) is again kicking into action. A discounted pet desexing and microchipping scheme, CAWS helps pensioners and low income earners improve their pets’ quality of life, as well as promoting responsible pet ownership.

Now in its sixth year, CAWS is supported by RSPCA NSW, Griffith City Council and Griffith Veterinary Hospital*. The scheme aims to help improve animal welfare and reduce the number of unwanted companion animals. Assistance for the program also comes from the RSPCA NSW Education Team who will be delivering education to local schools from 16 to 20 August.

Mark Jeffrey, RSPCA NSW Senior Manager Education, says their aim is to teach the public (from primary school kids to senior members of society and everyone in between) about the requirements of being a responsible pet owner and how they can ensure their pet is happy and healthy.

“Underpinning everything the education team does is the idea that each individual can make a difference in the welfare of animals,” said Mark.

Thanks to the generosity of Noble Toyota, RSPCA NSW has a new car for their community aid programs. “As a charity with less than 2% in government funding annually, we rely on the community and businesses to continue,” said Steve Coleman, RSPCA NSW CEO. “And we’re very thankful to Noble Toyota at Chullora for their ongoing assistance and kind donation.”

A long-time supporter of the RSPCA, Noble Toyota at Chullora recently donated a brand new Toyota Rukus to the animal welfare organisation.

“We believe the RSPCA may often be overlooked when it comes time to put the hand in the pocket,” said Geoff Lewis, Director, Noble Toyota. “The general public at large may not always be entirely aware of the gravity of their contribution to the community, which extends beyond animal welfare and into community aid programs.

“Noble Toyota is always buoyed by the exuberance and dynamic nature in which the team at the RSPCA conduct themselves and we are very proud to be associated as a supporter of their cause. We look forward to the continued success of the RSPCA as a truly significant charitable organisation.”

The Toyota Rukus is a much-needed resource for the Society’s community aid programs and will be used to transport animals throughout NSW.

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About us

The RSPCA - The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - is Australia's pre-eminent animal welfare organisation. We provide a strong voice for animals experiencing cruelty and neglect. The RSPCA is not a government agency and receives only a very small amount of funding from the Government. We rely on the generosity of the community and our own fundraising initiatives to fund our vital work.